Alberto Zaccheroni confirms he was “very close” to taking the Italy job, but is currently committed to the United Arab Emirates side.
The former Inter, Milan and Juventus tactician was hired in October 2017, following on from his experience as Coach of Japan.
“My name has always been mentioned for Italy, and at times we went very close, but at this moment I’m out of the running. I am training the UAE team and respect my agreement with the Federation,” Zac told goal.com.
Alberto Zaccheroni confirms he was “very close” to taking the Italy job, but is currently committed to the United Arab Emirates side.
The former Inter, Milan and Juventus tactician was hired in October 2017, following on from his experience as Coach of Japan.
“My name has always been mentioned for Italy, and at times we went very close, but at this moment I’m out of the running. I am training the UAE team and respect my agreement with the Federation,” Zac told goal.com.
“If someone had thought of me, I need to say I already have a commitment here and I intend to respect it.
“I was in the running for the Nazionale more or less every time there was a change of Coach from 2006 onwards.”
He took Japan to success in the 2011 Asian Cup and qualified for the 2014 World Cup.
Japan have booked their spot in the 2018 tournament, but suddenly fired Vahid Halilhodzic.
“I can’t help but be surprised, because it’s not normal to change Coach two months before the World Cup,” added Zaccheroni.
“Something must’ve happened and I imagine it was brewing for some time, because in Japan they don’t make instinctive decisions like that.”